28/01/2011 - Council fined for industrial injury
Cheshire East Council has been fined £5,300 after a maintenance worker suffered an industrial injury triggered by continuous use of vibrating hand-held machinery.
The mechanic, who has asked to remain anonymous, developed the condition after regularly used heavy-duty vibrating equipment such as pneumatic drills and hand-held grinders in his role with Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council.
The council, which became part of Cheshire East Council in 2009, first became aware of his condition in 2005 but failed to carry out annual assessments. Between 2005 and 2009 he had just two assessments, South Cheshire Magistrates' Court heard.
The 56-year-old now has difficulty picking up small objects, such as coins, and his hands become very painful in cold weather.
Cheshire East Council pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 at South Cheshire Magistrates' Court on 21 January 2011. Along with the fine, the council, of Westfields in Sandbach, was ordered to pay £5,860 costs.
Copyright © Press Association 2011
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